Delta Zeta women celebrate 50 years

I n the South Hills, the journey of energetic, enthusiastic and enterprising women continues to focus on common goals to work together socially while improving local communities through charitable activities.

Celebrating 50 years of camaraderie, the South Hills of Pittsburgh Delta Zeta Alumnae Chapter will recognize its current and former members at its anniversary dinner set for 6 p.m. Oct. 9 at Atria’s Restaurant in Peters Township.

A half century ago, in October 1963, industrious South Hills women graduates of colleges and universities joined hands for social, educational and philanthropic endeavors. Through single and married life, child rearing, employment, weddings, grandchildren and changes of residence, members are proud that their bond has remained strong and constant.

The South Hills Chapter was initially a part of the Pittsburgh group, which grew to also include branches in the north and east. Local members are graduates of colleges and universities from around the country, including Lehigh, Penn State, Duquesne, Alabama and the University of California at Santa Barbara. Careers span a variety of fields from education to pharmacy to interior decorating.

Current members in the 50th anniversary group attend from homes including Bethel Park, Bridgeville, Canonsburg, Mt. Lebanon and Upper St. Clair.

Local Delta Zeta women plan diverse programs focusing on historical, community and social issues. One of their most popular and enjoyable gatherings has been “Women Read.” During this program, members take time to talk about favorite books they’ve read in the past year. Various observations of the same book often make for a stimulating and fun evening. At the most recent “Women Read,” amazingly 59 books were discussed.

The Salvation Army, Adult Day Care at Christ U.M. Church, Homes for Our Troops, Cribs for Kids, Sisters Place, Jubilee Soup Kitchen, Lydia’s Place and many more organizations have benefited from Delta Zeta’s service and philanthropy efforts.

“I joined Delta Zeta 48 years ago with a plan to continue the bond of sorority friendship, personal development and community involvement,” said Mary Rose Reno of McMurray.

South Hills Delta Zeta Alumnae Chapter meets at 7 p.m. the second Wednesday of the month. To learn more, email madiaaj@gmail.com.

Delta Zeta

With a vision of lifetime sisterhood, in 1902 six young women formed Delta Zeta Sorority, the first sorority founded at Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. Today, Delta Zeta is known to be the largest National Panhellenic Sorority in the world. The official national magazine of Delta Zeta, “The Lamp”, has been published three times each year since December 1910.